Thursday, July 6, 2017

"The United States Department of Justice filed a civil complaint in federal court demanding that Hobby Lobby “forfeit” thousands of Iraqi artifacts illegally smuggled into the country. “The protection of cultural heritage is a mission that [Homeland Security Investigations] and its partner U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) take very seriously as we recognize that while some may put a price on these artifacts, the people of Iraq consider them priceless,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez. The Department of Justice also filed a “stipulation of settlement” with Hobby Lobby in which the arts-and-crafts retailer will pay a $3 million fine and consent to the forfeiture of the artifacts in question. Today’s action will end the civil case. There is no word yet on potential criminal prosecution."